How your business could gain from an outstanding new government-funded tech programme

Small-business owners are smart people. They’re practical, strictly no-nonsense types, with absolutely no time to waste on things that don’t bring real benefits to them and their business. Money is tight and time is precious. 

And they’re not usually shy when it comes to telling you what they think, with praise never given lightly – which makes the feedback Tech Adoption for Growth has received from small-business owners across our region quite remarkable.

“Tech Adoption for Growth is a new government-funded trial programme that’s providing free, practical, expert support to sole traders and small businesses in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and North Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire, and South Gloucestershire,” explains Ben Masheder of Business West, Tech Adoption for Growth Project Manager.  

“Using highly experienced local consultants, the aim is to give small-business owners the knowledge they need to make much better use of digital technology, so they can save time, cut costs and sell more. Ultimately, we want them to be more successful and grow,” he adds. Business West and TechSPARK are delivering Tech Adoption for Growth, in partnership with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA), fully funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

“More than 350 businesses have successfully applied since the beginning of 2026, but we’re welcoming more applications,” Ben says. “Businesses are randomly allocated either one-to-one consultancy to help them use digital tech to overcome a specific business challenge, or they get a place on four expert-led, tech-themed workshops, covering such topics as AI, digital marketing, customer data management, ecommerce, online security, etc. The feedback we’ve had from business owners on both really has been exceptional,” he comments.

One Wiltshire business that has gained from Tech Adoption for Growth workshops is ACA Acoustics. Its head office is in Highworth near Swindon. Director Rob Cant applied after reading about the programme on LinkedIn. “We’d been struggling for a while, knowing we weren’t using tech in the best or most productive ways, but not knowing where to start to improve this,” he admits.  

The tech ACA was using had been “built up piecemeal over time”, says Rob, leaving him “risk averse in deciding on changes” and delaying for fear of potential unintended consequences. Rob remembers the workshops as relaxed and informal, but very valuable. “They covered a wide range of topics in enough detail to provide a good starting point. And hearing other businesses discussing their challenges and approach to resolving them was really insightful.”

Workshops held in Bath in mid-2026 received an average rating of 3.86 out of 4, with almost 90% of attendees rating them as outstanding. By the end of the programme, all attendees said they felt confident or very confident about taking positive action using their new tech knowledge and 90-day action plans. The figures are representative of other Tech Adoption for Growth workshops held in Bristol, Chippenham and elsewhere.

Another business that has gained from the Tech Adoption for Growth workshops is Lilley’s Vinyl Revival, Midsomer Norton-based pre-loved vinyl record and CD seller. It was set up in 2019 by self-confessed obsessive record collector Bob Lilley, after he retired and decided to turn his passion into a high-street business. Set over two jam-packed floors, more than 40,000 items are for sale in the popular shop.

Bob’s wife Sue also works for the business. “We applied to Tech Adoption for Growth after Bob read an article about it,” she recalls. “I have a basic level of tech knowledge, but I wanted to learn more, particularly about digital marketing and online selling. Thankfully, I was given a place on the workshops and they were excellent,” she enthuses.

The first and last sessions of the four-part series were in person, and Sue says getting to meet other business owners face to face was great, because “we could share our experiences and bounce ideas off each other. The experts leading the sessions were highly knowledgeable, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Tech Adoption to other businesses.”

Experts worked with Sue to draw up a tailored action plan for the business, which potentially also offers her and Bob much value. She adds: “I now feel a lot better armed with ideas to input into the business, and hopefully it will make a big difference by increasing our profile, social media followers and record sales.”

Local charities and social enterprises have also benefitted from Tech Adoption for Growth, including First Steps Bath. “We were founded 34 years ago by local people and professionals to provide high-quality early education and childcare for children under five,” explains Chief Executive, Roz Lambert.

“We support children and families, particularly those facing disadvantage, while helping parents and carers access employment, training and education. We’re based in Twerton in Bath, where people struggle to access services. It’s within the top 10% areas of deprivation in the country.”  

Roz liked many aspects of the Tech Adoption for Growth workshops. “I felt welcome from the outset, and it quickly became clear that organisations from very different sectors were facing the same challenges. The blend of in-person and online workshops worked particularly well, creating opportunities to build connections, share experiences and reflect on the ideas and learning from each session.”

Roz was also able to work with experts to develop a clear 60-day action plan to strengthen how First Steps Bath connects with families looking for early-years education and care. She adds: “The programme has also given me practical tools to identify opportunities for improvement and plan future development with greater confidence.

“Tech Adoption for Growth combines expert knowledge with skilled facilitation, creating a supportive environment for sharing ideas and learning from others. I came away not only with practical solutions to immediate challenges, but also with the confidence and tools to tackle future opportunities and challenges. I would highly recommend Tech Adoption for Growth,” she concludes.

Tech Adoption for Growth is a government-funded programme offering free, practical support to help small businesses in Bristol and North Somerset, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire, and Swindon and Wiltshire gain far greater value from digital tools and technology so they can succeed and grow. Businesses are randomly allocated either one-to-one expert tech consultancy support or the opportunity to take part in expert-led tech-themed workshops. To apply, fill out this simple EOI form and we’ll contact you.